Guadalajara

The city of Guadalajara is located in the central area of the peninsula, next to the River Henares, in the highest part of the southern plateau.

Its origins might date back to Roman times, when the settlement was supposedly named “Arriaca”. In fact, the first evidence of present-day Guadalajara dates from the 8th century when it was a city belonging to the Caliphate of Cordoba called “madinat al-Faray”. It remained under Muslim rule until Ferdinand I of Castile conquered it in 1050. There is much debate about its definitive capture, as it seems that it was Alfonso VI at the end of the 11th century who completed its conquest. From then on, it became a frontier territory suffering Muslim raids until almost the 13th century. 

It was from the second half of the 14th century that Guadalajara entered a period of splendour. This was due to the Mendoza family, whose destiny from then on marked that of the city due to their ties with the royalty and the Church. A significant event of the following centuries was the establishment of the Royal Cloth Factory of Guadalajara in the 18th century, by order of Philip V.

Today it is a typical Manchegan destination, where heritage, gastronomy, and natural surroundings combine. The Palace of the Dukes of the Infantado, built by the Mendozas in the 16th century, is a notable heritage site that is frequently visited. Likewise, the banks of the River Henares are very popular with those looking to stroll through a high-quality natural environment.